A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF HOW PEOPLE’S KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE INCLUSION OF PĀRAJIKA-S IMPACTS ON REDUCING SOCIAL CRIMES

Abstract

Pārajika-s, which come in Buddhist Vinaya Pitaka, are basic rules that were executed for the perpetuation of the Buddha Sāsana, in order to maintain the discipline of Bhikkhu-s. Mainly it refers to not having sexual intercourse, not stealing, not committing murder, not claiming attainment of the stages of pure mental concentration that have not been achieved. The violation of these rules can cause numerous problems. Significantly, not only to the Buddha Sāsana, it is also common to any society. Furtum, fabrication, corruption, and intoxication are several common causes that can be seen inside the roots of social crimes as well. Thus, the objective of this investigation is to show the positive social impact that can be made through giving the knowledge on inclusions of pārajika-s to the ordinary society, because education and proper guidance chasten one's behaviour, and affect the society; especially to reduce social crimes. The backgrounds of Robert K. Merton's Social Strain Theory and Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development provide the methodologies of analysis in this study. Thus, it is clear that a secular discipline can be established by providing proper education along with laws and moralisation; because education plays a vital and active role in a person’s development, especially in identifying their nature and nurture. Furthermore, Piaget’s Theory of Moral Development believes that children develop the standards of good and bad within their society. Therefore, a conclusion was derived through analysing the qualitative data gained via the literature review. Hence, the proper guidance that is given by the Buddhist Law according to the Theravāda-Vinaya is important to both secular life and priestly life, and most importantly to reduce social crimes in contemporary society.